1 Timothy 1:1 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

An apostle of Jesus Christ - belonging to Him as His servant. Paul thus designates himself in an official letter; but in a personal letter (Philem), "a prisoner of Jesus Christ."

By the commandment of God - the authoritative injunction х epitageen (G2003)], as well as commission, of God. In the earlier letters, "by the will of God." Here the phrase implies a necessity laid on him to act as an apostle: not a matter of option. The same expression occurs in the doxology in Romans 16:26.

God our Saviour - the Father (1 Timothy 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:10; Luke 1:47; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:3; Titus 2:10; Titus 3:4; Jude 1:25): a Jewish expression in devotion, from the Old Testament (cf. Psalms 106:21).

Our hope - the object, substance, and foundation of our hope (Colossians 1:27; Titus 1:2; Titus 2:13).

1 Timothy 1:1

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;